Yes. The next 8 days became a race conducted after dark. Denise copied personnel files and construction records. Julian rebuilt his original calculations and mapped every visible symptom. Camille hired an independent structural firm through Hartwell Capital keeping Meridian's accounts out of the process.
The lead engineer, Dr. Lena Torres, reviewed Julian's report and said the pattern was credible, but she needed scans from the restricted foundation zone before she could issue a formal conclusion. Meanwhile, Gordon moved the contractor transition forward again. 12 days became 7. Nathan Sloan began requesting access logs. Security followed Julian through the basement.
Someone entered Denise's office while she was at lunch and shifted the folders on her desk just enough for her to know they had been searched. Then the first attack arrived. Every board member received an anonymous packet containing emails that appeared to show Julian demanding money from Northbridge 5 years earlier. Another document claimed he had threatened to fabricate safety concerns if he was not paid. Attached photographs showed Camille touching Julian's hand beside his truck.
Gordon called her within minutes. You have compromised yourself, he said. Step away before this becomes public. Camille read the emails twice. The language did not sound like Julian, but suspicion did not require authenticity to cause damage.
Where did you get these? The board received them independently. From Nathan Gordon paused. Your relationship with Price has made you reckless, and your fear of him has made you obvious." She ended the call.
That night, rain struck Meridian Tower hard enough to shake the glass. Julian was checking the south stairwell when the fire door scraped against the floor. It had hung clean that morning. He shown his flashlight along the concrete and saw a thin crack extending from the corner. Fresh dust gathered beneath it.
He measured it, then called Denise. We cannot wait for the board. Within an hour, Camille arrived with Dr. Torres and two engineers. Denise unlocked the foundation corridor. The air below smelled of water and rust.
Julian guided them past drainage pipes to a line of support columns hidden behind a service wall. The scanners began recording. Numbers appeared across Dr. Torres's tablet, and her expression changed. "The settlement is active," she said. "How bad?"
Camille asked. Bad enough that this wing should be restricted until we finish. Footsteps thundered above them. Security lights flooded the corridor. Nathan Sloan appeared with four guards and the new contractor's supervisor.
Step away from the equipment, he ordered. You are trespassing in a restricted structural zone. Camille moved forward. They are here under my authority. You have no operational authority in this building.
Nathan pointed at Julian. Detain him. He stole confidential records and forced entry. Two guards grabbed Julian's arms. Sophie's face flashed through his mind, followed by Rachel's, followed by every person who would enter the tower in the morning.